RWMF to remain iconic Sarawak event despite potential international expansion

KUCHING: The renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will continue to be hosted in Sarawak, even as plans are considered to hold the festival in other countries.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Datuk Salleh Askor said while there are discussions about organising the festival in Thailand, this will not affect its continuation in Sarawak.

“We are exploring the licensing possibilities if the festival (RWMF) is held in Thailand, Vietnam, and other locations,” she said.

She said this during a press conference yesterday (June 30), addressing statements made by artist Datuk Zainal Abidin at RWMF 2024.

According to her, this festival will remain a Sarawak brand (property) of Sarawak regardless of where else it might be held.

“We created it (RWMF) and we want to present it as a Sarawak event with a licence or franchise if it is organised in a foreign country.

“With this kind of licensing, it will promote this festival owned by Sarawak even outside the region,” she said.

Earlier, Zainal proposed RWMF be relocated to Thailand and managed by the Thai Government, describing it as a potentially fruitful collaboration.

“Through this effort as well, we will be able to have a more effective impact on environmental conservation,” he said.